Speaking to journalists on her 5th anniversary in office next week, the Prime Minister, Mrs Margaret Thatcher, said today (Saturday April 28, 1984):
“Next Friday I will have been in office for five eventful and action-packed years. I look back on them with a considerable sense of achievement and encouragement, and a feeling that Britain has found a new confidence and purpose.
“But on Friday my anniversary thoughts will dwell not on the past but on the future—on the next five years, and beyond, to the tasks that remain to regenerate this country's vigour and enterprise.
“For it is only our native drive and business flair which will make the world clamour for our goods and services and so progressively absorb in work those who are unemployed.
“A lot remains to be done before we achieve that ambition and every bit of industrial disruption just adds to the mountain we have to climb. But we are succeeding. —inflation is at its lowest for 16 years —interest rates are at their lowest for 6 years —growth is the highest in the European Community —industrial output is 4½%; up on a year ago —output per head in manufacturing is at record levels —profits are rising—and everyone wants to work for a profitable firm —the number of people in work rose by 200,000 last year and by 118,000 in the last quarter alone [end p1] —real personal income is higher than at any time under a Labour Government —there is a wider spread of home ownership, and therefore property, than at any time in our history; this is the way to become ‘One Nation’.
“I believe that 5 years ago the British people made me Prime Minister primarily because they sensed that socialism had been leading them to a life of debilitating dependence on the State when what they really wanted was the independence and freedom of self reliance and responsibility.
“I believe I was re-elected with an overwhelming majority last year because the British people recognised that, beyond the problems of recession and technological change, lay the prospect of a freer, fairer, more prosperous and more influential Britain, provided we persevered with this Government's approach.
“And when I look back over those 5 years—and look forward to the next—I know that each day will test the nerve and resolve of the Prime Minister and her Cabinet.
“The testing of a Government arises in two ways: —is it strong enough to do the things it alone can and must do: to safeguard the value of the currency; to uphold law and order; to maintain the defence of the realm; and to protect the weak? —is it strong enough then to resist the calls for intervention and interference and to say ‘Now it is up to the people?’ This Government believes that they will then exercise their freedom with responsibility and that they both understand and recognise the consequences of their own actions. [end p2]
“I believe that the Government I lead has passed these tests with flying colours.
“Strong government over the last five years is paying off in at least five areas:
The Economy
The continuation of growth, low inflation and a declining budget deficit has made us the envy of many nations. It has also given us the only basis on which to attack unemployment—a competitiveness unhindered by detailed and unnecessary controls.
Vested Interests
We are now a fairer and freer economy, more responsive to the needs of the individual and customer than we were. Already, for example, our determination to give the ratepayer a better deal has paid off with a reported average increase in rates of only 6%;. And no-one has done more for the National Health Service and its patients than this Government.
Law and Order
We are seeing the first glimmer of hope in the battle against crime, thanks to our strengthening and support of the police. They are carrying out their positive duty to see that law abiding citizens can go about their daily business.
Europe
Here we have the prospect of a fairer, more rational and more defensible European Community thanks to our patient and persistent pursuit of its reform—a matter which I shall be discussing with Chancellor Kohl on Wednesday and President Mitterrand next Friday. [end p3]
Defence and East/West Relations
We are a true and strong ally. We have won world-wide respect. We shall maintain our shield but want to talk to Eastern Europe and to achieve a better understanding, a balanced reduction in the level of armaments and an easing of tension. In so doing, we are furthering the cause of true peace.
“So, to summarise, after five years I take pride in the Government's strength of purpose to carry on doing what it believes to be right and to govern in the interests of all our people. Our ambitions for Britain remain undimmed. Our determination to achieve them is unflagging.”